The Israealis basically mooted the meaning of meaning of everything in the middle east when they became water independent via water desalination three years ago. They set off an invisible shock wave even more important than the invisible shock waves set off by the theft of NSA spy tools four years ago.
The US big new desalination plant in San Diego costs 2000@acre foot. The desalination plants in Australia cost about 1600@acre foot. The Israelis desalinate for $500@acre foot. The water is sent to Israeli cities for $700@acre foot, cleaned up to brown water standards and sent to their farms and fields for $300-$400@acre foot. Its a clever agriculture subsidy but no matter.
This is a feat of biblical porportions. Israelis water technoligists themselves believe their accomplishment is as significant as the neolithic revolution. (imho this is one of 5 neolithic scale agricultural revolutions at work today.)
The Israeli feat forshadows the day when all deserts in the world will be greened byo water desalination. That’s the big invisible shock wave that has rolled over the middle east. That’s part of the reason that the Saudis have stomped on the salafists.
I actually called Rush Limbaugh about this back in April. You can see the transcript here.
Israel and Singapore are the leaders in this field. However, judging by the battalions of Chinese water scientists that troop through Israel and Singapore—the Chinese will soon be big players.
Desalinated water becomes economic for agriculture via drip irrigation for high end fruit and nut trees and bushes at prices of $400@acre foot. $300@ acre foot is needed for all other vegetables via drip irrigation. Field crops like wheat and corn need water prices $100-$200@acre foot.
imho desalinated water costs will reach $300@acre foot in ten years or less for several reasons including the collapse of energy prices —especially utility scale solar. But also because of new membranes, and new production process.
The USA created the desalination industry back in the 1960’s based on basic research started under president eisenhower. However, like nuclear power —as well as dozens of other industries— the desalination industry went overseas in the 1980’s and 90’s..
The USA provides significant basic research for this industry. But currently is not positioned to enjoy either political or economic benefit from this industry.
Will this help the legendary Aswan High Dam with power creation?
This is so true. I work in GTMO quite frequently, and they have a very old salt water plant from 1964. It supplies all the water they need and then some.
It is very old and looks creaky as anything, but still running.